Editor’s Note:  The AMI QT devotionals from May 29-31 are provided by Jabez Yeo of TRPC, New York.  Once again, we are taking a detour from the study of 2 Sam.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, “Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.” 26 But his master answered him, “You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

During my college years, God blessed me through my parents who promised to financially support me. Knowing how hard my parents worked to provide for my education, I was careful of how I spent the money they gave me.  At times this meant making some tough decisions, but realizing that the money was ultimately not mine but theirs made the decisions easier as time progressed.

Oftentimes, we unconsciously act as if the blessings in our lives are our possessions and for us only. In contrast, King David describes reality when he declares, “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Psalm 24:1). Thus, we are not actually the true owners of what we possess. Rather, we are stewards and caretakers of the blessings and resources that God, the giver of all good gifts (James 1:17), has graciously provided.

Like any good owner, God wants to see His resources being put to good use. He wants to see a return; a multiplication of His Kingdom as a result of His gifts. But like the servant, we can be afraid to step out in faith and use our talents for His glory. For some of us, this could manifest in not tithing and choosing to use “our” money solely for ourselves. For others, it could be not serving in certain ministries despite brothers and sisters affirming the fit based on God-given abilities. Whatever the situation may be, it can be easy for us to be like the servant and hide our talent in the ground, ignoring the day that God will hold us accountable for what He gave us.

While others may have more talent or more resources, all of us have the privilege of furthering God’s kingdom through what He has given us. Let’s pray that God would give us the strength to step out in faith and use His blessings to bless others (Gen. 12:1-3). And let’s live in light of the fact that God is holding us accountable.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, it’s easy for me to be selfish with what You have given me. At times, I may feel afraid of stepping out in faith and using Your blessings for Your glory. Please help me to be a good steward and to further Your Kingdom through Your gifts. May You increase and I decrease as a result. In Your Name I pray, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 33-34